HEKS/EPER is making a difference in the «Agricultural production and market systems» in Eastern Switzerland

Through the programmes it offers, the HEKS/EPER Regional Office Eastern Switzerland makes a vital contribution to social cohesion and the inclusion of disadvantaged people in society. Through its work of advocacy it promotes equal opportunity for all, irrespective of culture, religion, social status and gender. It also sets great store by the encouragement of harmonious coexistence between immigrants and local people. The Regional Office works closely with national churches, regional and cantonal authorities, as well as private institutions.

Contact us:

Head of the Regional Office:

Gabriela Alfanz

HEKS/EPER is active primarily in rural areas, where prosperity and quality of life for the poorest are closely bound up with properly functioning agriculture. This is often not the case, however, as depleted soil, poor transport routes or lacking know-how hamper profitable agricultural production. HEKS/EPER helps people engage in profitable and ecological agriculture. This calls for sustainable production techniques and a great diversity of products so as to be able to react to environmental risks and market changes. In order that produce can be marketed successfully, HEKS/EPER enhances smallholders' knowledge of the market and militates for market systems in which smallholders are able to survive. In so doing HEKS/EPER mediates between producing, processing and subcontracting enterprises.